Balangir: A sudden hailstorm accompanied by thunder and strong winds lashed parts of Patnagarh in Balangir district on Monday, causing widespread damage to crops and houses under the impact of Kalbaisakhi.
According to reports, intense rainfall along with heavy hailstones was experienced in Patnagarh town and adjoining areas during the afternoon. The hailstorm severely affected standing moong (green gram) and vegetable crops, raising concerns among local farmers over significant losses.
In several places, large hailstones damaged residential structures by puncturing asbestos sheets and breaking clay roof tiles. Padhel village witnessed the worst impact, where strong winds uprooted a tree that fell on a house, completely destroying it.
Residents were gripped by fear as frequent lightning strikes accompanied the storm. Despite the extensive damage to property and agriculture, no casualties or fatalities have been reported so far.
Local authorities are yet to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses.
